Kenmore Washing Machine: drum rubbing

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore washing machine drum making a rubbing or scraping noise during the wash or spin cycle? This can indicate issues like worn drum bearings, foreign objects caught between the drum and tub, or an unbalanced load. Addressing these problems quickly can prevent further damage and ensure your machine runs smoothly.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • On some Kenmore models (e.g., Kenmore 110 series), a main pulley bolt can back out and cause the pulley to rub against its housing.

Possible Causes

Worn or damaged drum bearings leading to excessive drum movement

How to Identify: Grinding or scraping noises when manually spinning the empty drum, excessive lateral movement of the drum when pushed/pulled by hand.

Part: Drum bearings / tub bearing assembly

Foreign object lodged between drum and outer tub

How to Identify: Intermittent scraping or rattling as drum rotates; noise disappears after removing the object from inside or between drum and tub.

Part: Drum interior gap area

Loose pulley bolt causing pulley or belt rubbing internal parts

How to Identify: Ratcheting or rubbing noises from underside of washer; inspection may show a missing or loose bolt on main pulley (documented on Kenmore 110 series.

Part: Pulley/drive assembly

Suspension/shock absorber or loose counterweights leading to excessive drum motion

How to Identify: Drum moves excessively during spin cycles; banging and rubbing sounds as drum shifts and contacts housing.

Part: Suspension rods/shocks, counterweights

Unbalanced load causing drum to shift and rub

How to Identify: Rubbing/noise occurs only with certain loads; redistributing clothes and balancing reduces or stops noise.

Part: Load distribution inside drum

DIY Solutions

Check for and remove foreign objects

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: Flashlight
  1. Unplug washer and open drum door.
  2. Inspect inside drum and between drum and outer tub for trapped items.
  3. Use fingers or long tweezers to remove objects.
  4. Manually spin drum to test noise.
  5. Reconnect and test with small balanced load.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before inspection.

Balance load and machine level

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: Spirit level (optional)
  1. Stop cycle and redistribute laundry evenly in drum.
  2. Ensure machine feet are level on floor; adjust feet as needed.
  3. Run short spin cycle to test noise reduction.

Tighten loose pulley bolt (Kenmore 110 series example)

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Socket set, Screwdrivers
  1. Unplug and pull washer away from wall.
  2. Remove access panels to reach drive pulley.
  3. Inspect pulley bolt and tighten if loose; replace bolt/spring washer if missing.
  4. Reassemble panels and test machine.
  5. Note: Consult model‑specific manuals for bolt location.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure machine is unplugged before working under it.

Professional Repairs

Replace drum bearings and related seals

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500

Replace suspension/shocks and counterweights

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

When to Call a Professional

Persistent rubbing/scraping after removing foreign objects and balancing load
Visible drum wobble or play when manually pushed
Evidence of bearing failure (grinding that continues empty)

Preventive Maintenance

  • Balance and level machine regularly: Unbalanced loads that lead to drum rubbing/noise
    Frequency: each use
  • Check drum and remove trapped items: Noise and wear from foreign objects
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine drum rubbing?
Common causes include worn drum bearings, foreign objects between the drum and tub, loose pulley bolts, and unbalanced loads.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine drum rubbing myself?
Check for foreign objects, balance the load, and tighten any loose pulley bolts to resolve the issue.
How much does it cost to fix drum rubbing?
Professional repairs can range from $200 to $500 for drum bearing replacement, and $150 to $350 for suspension repairs.
When should I call a technician for drum rubbing?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you're unsure about performing repairs, it’s best to consult a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn or damaged drum bearings
  • Foreign objects trapped between the drum and tub
  • Misaligned or damaged suspension springs

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect for foreign objects by removing the front panel and checking between the drum and tub. If found, carefully remove them.

  2. Check and replace worn drum bearings. This involves disassembling the washer, which may require special tools.

  3. Examine and replace misaligned or damaged suspension springs. This can often be done with basic tools.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Washing machine drum rubbing on tub.

Community Discussions

drum rubbing on tub

Recommended purchasing a separate LG front load washer and dryer instead of a stackable unit.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!